The Engineering

1903

The engineering difficulties of constructing a bath of this kind so far below the normal water level was considerable and great care was necessary in conducting the excavations and in forming the concrete bottom, which is two feet in thickness, and in construction of the walls of the bath which are three feet thick at the base.

To carry out this and other underground work, a large pumping sump was necessary was necessary, and duplicate engines and pumps were fixed in order to guard against breakdown.

Before the Opening

Before the opening of the Ladies Bath the Corporation minutes the delays caused by the negotiations among them, and the Thames Conservancy and the owner of the Lower Caversham Mill, Mr Lawes.

Mr Milsom wanted a 24 inch outlet and inlet pipe for the pool. Taking of the water and the return of it to the river was an issue.

The water supply is derived from the Thames, the intake being protected by a grid and the water carried in a24 inch culvert underneath the towpath, and by means of a syphon to a large filter in the Kings Meadow.

After treatment there, it passes through a second 24 inch culvert to the bath, and is finally discharged over the weir, the level of which can be regulated at pliesure into a third culvert communicating with the stream discharging into the river immediatle below the lock.

Absolute control of the water is maintained at all points. When full, the bath holds 152.000 gallons. A continuous current of water will be maintained in the bath by the difference in the level between the headwater at Caversham Lock and the tail water at Sonning Reach.

A test of water tightness of the bath was made during the time when the headwater in the Thames was 2 feet 6 inches above the normal water level.

The whole of the work was designed and constructed under the superintendance of the Borough Engineer and Surveyor - Mr John Bowen, Associate Member C.E. - and the Contractor Mr Henry Hill of Reading.

The total cost of the work was £4890.

Concurrently with the construction of the Ladies Bath, a Caretakers Lodge - to be used for the park Constable - and public sanitary conveniences for males and females have been erected at the same time.





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The Lodge and Meadow.

The Lodge consists of a parlour, kitchen, scullery,coal house and W.C. on the ground floor, with three bedrooms on the first floor.

The Lodge House

Large gatherings take place from time to time in the King Meadow's recreation ground, and on occasions in the past the Corporation have had to construct temporary latrines at considerable cost. The erection of these buildings will avoid this expenses in the future.

Separate accommodation has been provided for the Ladies, access to such accommodation being given from the King's Meadow and the Recreation Ground.

These buildings have been erected, relieved with stone dressings, and in appearance are an ornamental addition to the ground.

The plans of the Lodge and conveniences were prepared and the work carried out under the superintendance of the Engineer and Borough Surveyor. The Contractor for these was Mr McCarthy Fitt of Reading and the total costs of the works wa £1240.

The work of raising the level of the ground in the neighbourhood of the Ladies Swimming Bath, Lodge etc. is now quickly proceeding, as it is intended to raise the ground floor aropund these buildings above flood level. The work of the general planting and fencing off around the building is also in progress.